Skimmer Suggestions

[zapped82]

I'm thinking about building a new sump and upgrading my skimmer at the same time. The only constraint I have is I'd like to try and keep the skimmer in the $250 range if possible. I have a 135gal with a total system volume of just over 150 gal possibly going up with the new sump but not by much. I currently have a Coral life SS 220 that is ok but I don't think it's doing a good enough job for me.

I've looked at the Octopus NW-200 which Sammy over at aquabuys recommends however I know there are many more options out there. Any suggestions are welcome and certainly let me know if anyone has something used that would be better than what I could get new for the same money.

Thanks,
Zac

 

[ralph atl]

http://www.aquamartonline.com/1550.html">http://www.aquamartonline.com/1550.html</a>

just call first and make sure that they are in business still!

[IMG]http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=PA">http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=PA</a>

 

[budsreef]

mufret was selling a DAS EX-2 for $225 OBO. Here's the link to it

 

[zapped82]

Thanks for the links, anyone with some additional advice? I am concerned with the amount of food I am feeding my dendro and sun coral and want to make sure I have a skimmer capable of pulling all the excess out.

Where does the DAS rank compared to say the octopus or an MRC or even the corallife?

Are there any good sites out there comparing any of the skimmers?

Thanks,
Zac

 

[chemically_balanced]

Well worth the extra money.
http://www.reefspecialty.com/octopus-dual-recirculating-protein-skimmer-p-83.html?osCsid=25715391e2c2814214df58ca81b46fed">http://www.reefspecialty.com/octopus-dual-recirculating-protein-skimmer-p-83.html?osCsid=25715391e2c2814214df58ca81b46fed</a>

I'm running ruffly the same amount of water you are looking at and I have a huge BIO-load. I guess it doesn't help that I love fat fish. I feed everyday and this skimmer pulls some of the nastiest stuff I've seen.

 

[lorenk]

I'm no expert, but seems like the economical bubble plate skimmers are the new favorite technology. Octopus has their version and MRC has there's coming out very soon. There was a post about a http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=16814">Chinese version </a>recently as well and related threads at RC.

If you want to see the MRC version, I think Danny is bringing mine to the BBQ this weekend unless there is some change.

Margi posted some prices in [IMG]http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=16264">this thread </a>for the MRC version. Plus you get 10% ARC discount. And with MRC, you know you are going to get great service.

 

[spike]

I have the octopus NW 200 from Sammy on my tank. When you get the chaeto you can check it out.

 

[zapped82]

I was reading about the new MRC skimmers and will certainly look further into them. Thanks to ramone I was able to see the Octopus NW-200 in action and it certainly seems to be pulling some gunk out of his 180. Any more advice out there? I just want to be smart about this purchase and not save $50 but lose a lot of performance.

Thanks!

 

[mufret]

We are lucky that there are a number of good skimmers out there which makes choosing one difficult. They will all do the job but you really have to ask yourself what YOU are looking for in a skimmer to narrow down your choices. Price and system capacity is certainly where we start but many times other considerations really sell one over the other. Here are a few questions that might start the process of narrowing down your choice:

How much room do you have for the skimmer (L X W X H)?
In sump vs. external?
Time needed for "tweaking" and maintenence?
How handy are you (some of the really good deals might require you to mod the skimmer for optimal performance)?
Do you want something that's pretty much "set it and forget it"?

 

[zapped82]

mufret;196949 wrote: We are lucky that there are a number of good skimmers out there which makes choosing one difficult. They will all do the job but you really have to ask yourself what YOU are looking for in a skimmer to narrow down your choices. Price and system capacity is certainly where we start but many times other considerations really sell one over the other. Here are a few questions that might start the process of narrowing down your choice:

How much room do you have for the skimmer (L X W X H)?
In sump vs. external?
Time needed for "tweaking" and maintenence?
How handy are you (some of the really good deals might require you to mod the skimmer for optimal performance)?
Do you want something that's pretty much "set it and forget it"?

Well, I have a standard oceanic 135 gal with stand. I am planning on upgrading my sump to a 55gal which I will customize as far as the different sections. I guess that leaves me with the biggest space in sump at about 16" x 24" x 25"H. I would prefer an in sump skimmer however I have room for an external one. I don't really have a problem spending some time tweaking if necessary however I would think this would not be 15-20 minutes a day. I'm more than willing to do mods to whichever model I end up with. I'm guessing you're meaning not having to clean or anything like that with the "set it and forget it" in which case that is not a necessity, I am expecting there to be routine maintenance.

Thanks for the help!
Zac

 

[budsreef]

I've got a DAS EX-2 running on my 120G system and a DAS EX-1 running on a 70G system. You are reasonably close to me so you could stop by and look at them if you want to.

 

[mufret]

I notice that all your choices, so far, are needlewheel or similar. Is that your preference?

Given your post above, you're probably going to end up with approx. 170g to 180g depending on the configuration of the sump. Is it a standard 55g (48" L X 20" H X 13" W) ? If so, your dimensions are likely to be a little different and might effect which skimmer you can fit into the section.

 

[zapped82]

you're right, I was thinking the 55 was 18". Guess that's what happens when you're up until midnight breaking down a tank. I really don't know the pros and cons of the needlewheel vs. anything else. Any good places to look for comparisons/advantages?